plate no. 4663
Green Still Life with Lamp
Maria Blanchard, 1917
some experience helpful
Recreating this painting will help students understand geometric abstraction and how to break down complex forms into simpler shapes. It also provides practice in color mixing and creating a balanced composition using limited colors.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Lightly sketch the basic geometric shapes and their placement on the canvas.
- step 02
Block in the large areas of color, starting with the background.
- step 03
Refine the shapes and edges of the objects, paying attention to their relationships to each other.
- step 04
Mix and apply the various shades of gray, blue, and green to create depth and dimension.
- step 05
Add the details, such as the dots and lines, using a small brush.
- step 06
Adjust the values and colors as needed to achieve a harmonious composition.
- step 07
Add final highlights and shadows to enhance the form.
- step 08
Let dry and varnish (optional).
color palette
primary · ivory black · titanium white · Prussian blue · sap green
secondary · raw umber · light grey
Mix various shades of gray by combining black and white. Add small amounts of blue or green to the gray to create cooler tones. Use white to lighten the colors and create highlights.
techniques
- ·geometric abstraction
- ·color blocking
- ·limited palette
- ·dry brushing
- ·pointillism (for the dots)
common pitfalls
- →Overcomplicating the shapes.
- →Using too many colors.
- →Not paying attention to the value relationships.
- →Making the composition too symmetrical.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (small and medium)
- ·flat brush
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oils)
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·easel
- ·ruler
A smooth canvas surface is recommended for easier blending. Using a limited palette will help create a cohesive look.
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